When I travel, I like to avoid unpleasant surprises, and my experience in hospitality and travel has allowed me to develop some good habits, especially concerning unexpected additional costs. 

Let me share with you a few things to know before booking your flight and hotel.

Fixed Date or Flexible Date:

If you have fixed vacation dates, it’s better to book in advance, as you’ll have more options. This also applies to flexible dates, but the constraint won’t be the same. Before making a reservation with flexible dates, check the flight options first and then book the hotel to get the best rate.

Booking through Online Agencies vs. Direct Booking with Hotels:

Using online travel agencies is fine, but you may get more advantages by booking directly with the hotel. Do your research on the internet and note down the hotel’s name from online agency sites like booking.com. Then, visit the hotel’s official website to get an idea of the real prices. A quick email or phone call to the hotel will often get you the same rate as the online agency because hotels generally prefer to offer the same price but avoid paying fees.

Airport-Hotel Shuttle Bus:
Once everything is booked, many hotels offer a free shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel. Keep in mind that this option can be time-consuming, as the shuttle may make multiple stops to drop off passengers at various hotels.

Car Rental:

For car rentals, it’s usually more advantageous to book in advance through online sites, especially for long-term rentals. If you’re unsure about the duration or find the total cost of your stay too expensive, hotels often provide car rental services. You can inquire with them via email/phone in advance or upon your arrival on the first day.